11/18/1986 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 11/18/86 -2- Mr. Wilamosky stated that in his opinion the expense of attending .the UMTA Seminar was a valid expense; asked if Mr. Boyle could explain RTA's objection to pay for this educational experience which would enhance the city`s ability to operate the $us Line. Mr. Boyle stated that he could summarize their objection but he could not justify it. He also believes it is a valid expense. In the mid-70's, when the agreement was entered into with CTS, it provided for charge.-backs, based on some federal guide lines established in 1971 and revised in 1982. In these guide lines, this was more for overhead expenses; it did not allow the charge-backs for legislative expenses; legislative grouped, not only council, but the Mayor. In adminstrative, training and supervision, Finance Director contends that the Mayor is the Chief Executive of the city and thus of the Bus Line. Attending school to investigate better and cheaper modes of transportation, privatization (which was a major topic last year) would all benefit NOMBL and thus benefit RTA. Finance Director felt it was a justif ied expense, RTA disagreed; City appealed to their treasurer since RTA instructed the city to go to the treasurer first; treasurer did not respond. City went to the board; the board said they were the wrong people to talk to; city went back to the treasurer and about a week or so ago, went to the federal auditors, who UMTA has brought in, and asked them. to carry on the city's appeal. With respect to the Law Director's attendance, under the federal guide Lines, it does allow for expenses and is completely justified. Mr, Wilamosky then asked when a ruling will be received from the federal auditors. Mr. Boyle replied that the audit is scheduled for 26 to 28 weeks and was only recently started. First discussions with the auditors were a week or so ago when the city asked them to bring it up to the board. City had started its appeal the early part of 1986. Service Director Noble stated that the appeals were started in early 19$6; this was brought to the attention of the auditor - these are not federal auditors - they are a civilian firm representing UMTA. Administration provided the information that the City is right now challenging the RTA decision on the 1985 budget.;. have not had approval on the 1986 budget as yet and are currently presenting the 1987 budget. They were very supportive on this point because of this; they could not understand how RTA could run this operation and be so far behind in responding to the city's requests. One of the biggest problems was trying to put the finger on who should be con- tacted; they quite regularly passed the buck to another department. Mr. McKay asked Finance Director Boyle if he understood correctly that RITA charges the city 2.67 to collect income tax? Mr. Boyle responded that as a board member now, he is projecting a 2.6Z charge; last year city paid 2.617. This projection is as conservative as possible; it will def finitely cost the City of North Olmsted less money than it did last year; this is a very low cost for the amount of money the city will be receiving. Mr. O'Grady, Chairman Public Safety, Health and Welfare Committee reported: 1) Moved Council have no objection to the issuance of an F2 liquor permit to the Kiwanis Club of North Olmsted, 29271 Lorain. Road, North Olmsted, Ohio, for an event to be scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 1986, second by Mr. Wilamosky, unanimously approved. Audience participation: Mr. Richard Carlisle, representative of Biskind Development Company, addressed the public's interest in several of their current projects, specifically Great Northern Plaza South which was started in 1983 and will be completed in 1987. 26 registered architects have been. directly involved in this project; basic design has been studied by three separate architectural firms; has been reviewed informally by some thirty members and officials of the City of North Olmsted and I